United Connection Time - Chicago

[LEtue]

United is offering an award ticket of TPA - ORD - ANC with a connection time in Chicago of only 45 minutes. Is this even possible? Assuming that the flight from TPA leaves on time of course. Haven't been through Chicago in a number of years but looking at the terminal maps United gates are mostly in terminal C?

[Zach1213]

Terminals are numbered at O'Hare, not lettered. United operates out of Terminal 1 and, to a much lesser extent, Terminal 2. Their operations in T2 are mostly (all?) regional jets, which you should not be on. Therefore, your transit should be completely T1. From there, there are concourses - T1 has B and C concourses, which are attached by underground tunnel. All of this is within security.

 

45 minutes at ORD is doable without a doubt, but I wouldn't risk it. I assume there is only one flight per day to ANC, so if you miss it...you miss it. Get on an earlier flight out of TPA if possible. I give myself at least 75 minutes at ORD for domestic transits, whether it be United or American, to ease the stress and allow my bag to come with me to my destination.

[LEtue]

There is an earlier flight out of TPA but it goes through Charlotte first and I was hoping to cut down on connections and limit any additional issues.

 

There are actually 4 flights leaving Chicago later to ANC otherwise I would never even consider it. None of these are offered in award ticket combinations but could be later. Since I am traveling alone and only need one seat I guess that increases my chances for a later flight but who knows what will be going on that day.....

 

Thanks for the details about the terminals!

[Fattony]

What's the date of your travel? Looking at an arbitrary date next summer, I saw award flights that involved one connection, in Houston, with more time than 45 mins. Does the option involving a change in CLT include US Airways and then United flights? We're using UA miles to go from SJU to LAX in October, and we'll be on US Airways the whole way.

[pms4104]

There is an earlier flight out of TPA but it goes through Charlotte first and I was hoping to cut down on connections and limit any additional issues.

 

There are actually 4 flights leaving Chicago later to ANC otherwise I would never even consider it. None of these are offered in award ticket combinations but could be later. Since I am traveling alone and only need one seat I guess that increases my chances for a later flight but who knows what will be going on that day.....

 

Thanks for the details about the terminals!

Did a random search for June 2014 ... UA has only 2 nonstops ORD/ANC, one flight at 945AM and the other at 305PM. All other UA flights ORD/ANC connect in various cities: DEN, SFO, IAH, SEA. Seriously, I cannot imagine UA running 5 nonstops daily on this route.

[alidor]

Pms is correct - there are only 2 non-stops on United from ORD, not 4. Don't know where that poster got that information.

[LEtue]

My travel date is in July and there are 5 departures including the 9:45 am that is offered. It is the only non stop but there are 4 later flights.

 

I'm not concerned with more stops (from ORD where there are later options) since it is a nice opportunity to "stretch". My only concern is the connection time of 45 minutes and whether or not it is doable - assuming all goes well. United may offer more options later :)

[Zach1213]

Did a random search for June 2014 ... UA has only 2 nonstops ORD/ANC, one flight at 945AM and the other at 305PM. All other UA flights ORD/ANC connect in various cities: DEN, SFO, IAH, SEA. Seriously, I cannot imagine UA running 5 nonstops daily on this route.

 

Hell, I am surprised there are two.

[Zach1213]

My travel date is in July and there are 5 departures including the 9:45 am that is offered. It is the only non stop but there are 4 later flights.

 

I'm not concerned with more stops (from ORD where there are later options) since it is a nice opportunity to "stretch". My only concern is the connection time of 45 minutes and whether or not it is doable - assuming all goes well. United may offer more options later :)

 

So what is your actual schedule? What time do you leave TPA, and what time do you leave ORD?

[pms4104]

Hell, I am surprised there are two.

Yes, I also was surprised that UA operates 2 (as well as a non-stop ORD/FAI) ... considering AS operates only 1 from ORD, and AA no longer offers nonstop ANC service from ORD.

[Zach1213]

Yes, I also was surprised that UA operates 2 (as well as a non-stop ORD/FAI) ... considering AS operates only 1 from ORD, and AA no longer offers nonstop ANC service from ORD.

 

AA does, at least, codeshare with Alaska Airlines on that flight. AS 139 = AA 6853, ORD-ANC; AS 138 = AA 6803 ANC-ORD

[LEtue]

So what is your actual schedule? What time do you leave TPA, and what time do you leave ORD?

 

I am planning to leave Wednesday to do a pre-cruise in Homer before boarding the ship on Saturday. If I get in late on Wednesday - I would still okay but it sure makes for a long day if connections are missed. There are later flights out of ORD going to ANC and getting there from TPA shouldn't be a problem. If I had my choice I would go through Houston but at this point in time ORD is all United is offering. If it isn't worth the risk - I buy a ticket and go when I want :)

 

Depart:

7:10 a.m.

Wed., Jul. 16, 2014

Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (TPA)

Arrive:

9:00 a.m.

Wed., Jul. 16, 2014

Chicago, IL (ORD - O'Hare)

Flight Time:

2 hr 50 mn

Flight: UA588

 

Change Planes. Connect time in Chicago, IL (ORD - O'Hare) is 45 minutes.

 

Depart:

9:45 a.m.

Wed., Jul. 16, 2014

Chicago, IL (ORD - O'Hare)

Arrive:

1:26 p.m.

Wed., Jul. 16, 2014

Anchorage, AK (ANC)

Flight Time:

6 hr 41 mn

 

Travel Time:

10 hr 16 mn

Flight: UA1548

[TMLAalum]

It is early for UA to release all ff availabilities for July 2014, and with that tight connection, I'd keep checking back daily. Plus, that far ahead there's a chance for a schedule change that may or may not work in your favor.

[LEtue]

It is early for UA to release all ff availabilities for July 2014, and with that tight connection, I'd keep checking back daily. Plus, that far ahead there's a chance for a schedule change that may or may not work in your favor.

 

Oh definitely and I'm certain there will be multiple changes before July. The problem is knowing how long to wait. Lately, the best FF seats are available early or very late.....:rolleyes:

[PennyAgain]

I can't do a connection like that at ORD but I'm no spring chicken.

 

If you miss your scheduled connection they will make every effort to get out on a flight going in the direction you wish to go, but you could end up hop scotching across the US.

 

In other words they will make every effort to get out out of ORD before you even have a chance to go for the non-stop.

[pms4104]

AA does, at least, codeshare with Alaska Airlines on that flight. AS 139 = AA 6853, ORD-ANC; AS 138 = AA 6803 ANC-ORD

Past couple of years AA operated their own flight ... in addition to the codeshare with AS. Just surprised it is no more.

[LEtue]

I can't do a connection like that at ORD but I'm no spring chicken.

 

If you miss your scheduled connection they will make every effort to get out on a flight going in the direction you wish to go, but you could end up hop scotching across the US.

 

In other words they will make every effort to get out out of ORD before you even have a chance to go for the non-stop.

 

Thanks Penny. I'm no spring chicken either but I can still hustle through an airport and often fly to and through ATL which can be a challenge at times - with connections times as little as 40 minutes :eek:

 

I would be okay if I missed the non stop offered as long as I get there the same day on one of the 4 later flights - and my luggage traveled with me! Can't be without that now can we :D Normally I travel with just my carry-ons but I haven't been able to manage that yet for Alaska :rolleyes:

[PennyAgain]

Thanks Penny. I'm no spring chicken either but I can still hustle through an airport and often fly to and through ATL which can be a challenge at times - with connections times as little as 40 minutes :eek:

 

I would be okay if I missed the non stop offered as long as I get there the same day on one of the 4 later flights - and my luggage traveled with me! Can't be without that now can we :D Normally I travel with just my carry-ons but I haven't been able to manage that yet for Alaska :rolleyes:

 

I've changed planes at ORD many, many times. If you miss a connection your airline will automatically start working on booking out out on the next possible flight or combination of flights to your destination. I have iPhone apps for all the airlines I fly. They want to get you on your way.

[LEtue]

Thanks Penny. I only fly on FF awards about once a year and never tested the process with close connections.

 

I would hope that that wouldn't make a difference if a connection is missed. But I think priority may go to paying passengers. I am only one person to find a seat for but flights to ANC are probably full in July :)

 

I am holding off for better choices and may end up buying the flights that I want.

[PennyAgain]

Linda, I don't think it makes any difference if you 'buy' your ticket with United miles or with money. I wouldn't make a decision because on fear of what may or may not happen. Use your air miles if you wish to do so or money if you want more air miles.

 

I fly frequently. It is the goal of the airlines to keep us moving in the direction of our destination.

 

One person on her own has a really good chance of getting on flights ahead of folks who insist on flying together.

 

Remember that if you have missed a connection, there is a good chance that other folks on other flights have done so as well.

 

I find the whole process of re-routing fascinating. I have been placed on an earlier departure (which is usually to my advantage) when I arrive ahead of schedule which means more than likely someone flew in the seat I no longer needed.

 

An app for an iPhone, your airline's telephone number and the folks working as gate agents at ORD are all your friends.

[jsmeeker]

Also, know the number for the off schedule operations desk. Can be very handy when there are large scale disruptions.

 

In any case of disruptions, CALL. Don't wait around in a line for an agent.

 

 

And know your options. Know the possible routes. Not all agents are as adept at doing it or are willing to do it without prompting. they may be looking what is easiest for THEM and not what's best for YOU.

[PennyAgain]

Jeff, well said. I've had very fine luck with ticket agents and gate agents over the past few years. No complants at all.

 

I make sure that I make it clear to them what my goals are. For example: I have a meeting that starts tomorrow morning in Chicago. I really need to be at that meeting.

[LEtue]

Linda, I don't think it makes any difference if you 'buy' your ticket with United miles or with money. I wouldn't make a decision because on fear of what may or may not happen. Use your air miles if you wish to do so or money if you want more air miles.

 

I fly frequently. It is the goal of the airlines to keep us moving in the direction of our destination.

 

One person on her own has a really good chance of getting on flights ahead of folks who insist on flying together.

 

Remember that if you have missed a connection, there is a good chance that other folks on other flights have done so as well.

 

I find the whole process of re-routing fascinating. I have been placed on an earlier departure (which is usually to my advantage) when I arrive ahead of schedule which means more than likely someone flew in the seat I no longer needed.

 

An app for an iPhone, your airline's telephone number and the folks working as gate agents at ORD are all your friends.

 

Also, know the number for the off schedule operations desk. Can be very handy when there are large scale disruptions.

 

In any case of disruptions, CALL. Don't wait around in a line for an agent.

 

 

And know your options. Know the possible routes. Not all agents are as adept at doing it or are willing to do it without prompting. they may be looking what is easiest for THEM and not what's best for YOU.

 

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all of the extra details and I have United, Delta and American apps on my iPhone and iPad :) But, I didn't think about the operations desk and I can see where that is s great number to have and thankfully I wasn't born with much patience so I don't stand in line for much ;)

 

I always travel with some extra time built in but I don't want to miss my bear fly in on Friday :eek: